NASA, Boeing, and Coast Guard testify in investigation of Titan submersible implosion

Representatives from NASA, Boeing, and the U.S. Coast Guard are testifying before a high-level investigation into the fatal June 2023 implosion of OceanGate's Titan submersible.

The vessel, en route to the Titanic wreck site, imploded during its descent, killing all five aboard, including OceanGate co-founder Stockton Rush. The submersible's unconventional design and lack of independent review have come under intense scrutiny following the disaster.

Testimonies from key figures, including Justin Jackson of NASA, Mark Negley of Boeing, and Lieutenant CoMMAnder Jonathan Duffett of the Coast Guard, are expected to provide insight into the technical and regulatory aspects of the Titan.

Earlier testimonies have criticized the company for prioritizing profit over safety and scientific research, as claimed by former OceanGate operations director David Lochridge.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s public hearing is part of a broader investigation, which aims to determine the causes of the implosion.

Lochridge and other witnesses detailed clashes with Rush, painting a picture of a company eager to push its submersible into operation despite concerns. OceanGate, headquartered in Washington state, suspended its operations following the disaster and currently has no full-time employees.

The Titan had been conducting dives to the Titanic wreckage site since 2021. However, Coast Guard officials noted that the submersible had not undergone a standard independent review, adding to concerns about its safety.

Businessman Guillermo Sohnlein, a co-founder of OceanGate who left the company prior to the disaster, expressed hope that the incident would not end deep-sea exploration efforts.

The hearing is set to conclude Friday, with more witnesses scheduled to testify on the incident that has sparked a global debate on the future of private undersea exploration.